Richard "Dick" Gerard Martin

Our dad and grandfather, Richard “Dick“ Martin, 77, passed away November 7, 2024 in Sarasota, FL, from an unexpected cardiac illness. He leaves behind his two daughters, Dr. Valerie Bell and her husband Tom, and Patti and her husband Dr. Andrew Baxter. He also leaves behind his longtime partner, Christine Maglio. He has six beloved grandchildren, Hayes Martin, Quade and Elysse Bell, and Gillie, Graeme, and Greer Baxter, who will all miss him dearly.

He began his life February 8, 1947 in New Jersey, as the only, and much loved child, of Aurel and Roy Martin. He grew up in Massachusetts, graduating from Catholic Memorial High school, before receiving his undergraduate degree from Providence College. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University, where he started his adult life with lifelong friends, his marriage to Terry Murphy, and the birth of their first daughter, Valerie. The three settled in New Britain, CT, where Dick began his many years at Stanley Works, and welcomed his second daughter, Patricia. Through the years, he moved up the ranks, from the Marketing Research Department, to the Magic Door Division, and ultimately becoming President of Stanley's Hardware Division. He was a commanding figure, a charismatic speaker, and an intelligent businessman, whose savvy business sense prepared him to launch a new career in Florida. There he built his own corporation, Vistapak, and the next chapter of his life, alongside his partner, Chris, until their retirement a few years back.

Dick strove to give his kids and grandkids many opportunities, especially for fun in Florida. His grandkids have wonderful memories of Disney and warm Florida vacations. We all had many laughs with him, and learned to value a great sense of humor, from the king of dry wit himself. His ability to find common ground, whether it be discussing all things out of this world, medical advances, finances, cars, or just reminiscing, were thoughtful conversations, that always made his company feel heard and important.

He will be interred with his parents in Needham, MA, at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A graveside memorial will be held in May. He will be so missed. We were not ready for him to go.

Any memorial donations can be made in his name to Boston Children’s Hospital, where his youngest granddaughter, Greer continues to receive important cardiac care.

https://secure.childrenshospital.org/site/Donation2?5806.donation=form1&df_id=5806&mfc_pref=T